Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park
Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park
Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
302 reviews
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191
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99
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6
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3
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3
Christine O
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Family
This 8 km round trip hike to the rapids is not wheelchair accessible. The first 3 km are good for an average hiker but the last 1 km becomes rocky, lots of free stumps to navigate. If you go when it's raining it does becomes slippery. Hiking boots are a must. Google indicates 1 hr hike in, however that is at a moderate pace. If you want a leisurely walk, schedule yourself 1hr and 20 minutes. Wildlife is in the area so bring bear spray.
It's too bad you can't park at the park entrance if you have little ones as it would cut the hike by at least 1 km.
It's too bad you can't park at the park entrance if you have little ones as it would cut the hike by at least 1 km.
Written September 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul K
Vancouver, Canada308 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
We couldn’t sync our schedule with the big tidal events, but just seeing the Narrows around slack water was worth the walk. What a view, and a big sea lion at the whirlpool area was a treat. The walk thru the forest was enjoyable too. Lots to see and hear. But don’t believe the tourist brochures about “soft forest walk” and the “occasional rock and root”. The walk from the junction between the two viewing points is very uneven and hilly, and mostly rocks and roots. So wear good walking shoes.
Written September 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Escape691136
4 contributions
Sept 2022
We walked the trail in to Roland Point in about 40 minutes about two hours ahead of the peak tide time and there was a group of kayakers surfing and doing tricks on the waves created by the tide. We were there at the time of a full moon which meant the waves were larger than usual. Well worth the hike.
Written September 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina C
Coquitlam, Canada6,336 contributions
Aug 2021
One of the popular attractions in Sunshine Coast is to visit Skookumchuck Narrow Provincial Park to watch the tidal wave pushing through the Skookumchuck Narrows. We went on August 9th, it was an Extra Large Tide. We even saw a kayaker surfing there.
Although it took us an hour and twenty minutes to walk there it was worth it. Most of the trail is easy walking and surrounded with greenery and tall forest trees. Only at the end there are three ups and downs that needed more effort. If the senior citizens can do it, there shouldn't be any problems for the young people.
There are outhouses at the beginning and the end of the trail, but use at your own risk (it was smelly). Almost at the end of the trail, there was a fork in the trail. One is to North Point to watch the whirlpools during low tide starts when the water starts to recede. The other is to Roland Point to see the rapids during high tide. There is a sign to show the way.
Happy travelling!
Although it took us an hour and twenty minutes to walk there it was worth it. Most of the trail is easy walking and surrounded with greenery and tall forest trees. Only at the end there are three ups and downs that needed more effort. If the senior citizens can do it, there shouldn't be any problems for the young people.
There are outhouses at the beginning and the end of the trail, but use at your own risk (it was smelly). Almost at the end of the trail, there was a fork in the trail. One is to North Point to watch the whirlpools during low tide starts when the water starts to recede. The other is to Roland Point to see the rapids during high tide. There is a sign to show the way.
Happy travelling!
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave_Woking
Woking, UK148 contributions
Sept 2022
We were in the vicinity and with it being such an unusual phenomenon we decided to visit. The behaviour of the sea and how extreme it is varies depending on the nature of the tide. Dates / times as to how extreme this is are published on the Sechelt Visitor Information Centre website.
It's amazing to think that this is the sea and not a river. We saw some people kayaking and it looked pretty amazing although I'm sure these guys were very skilful indeed and I am guessing the consequences were something to go wrong could be quite severe so most people will be happy to observe I'm sure.
The walk in is about an hour through lovely rain forest. The track is a little uneven in places
It's amazing to think that this is the sea and not a river. We saw some people kayaking and it looked pretty amazing although I'm sure these guys were very skilful indeed and I am guessing the consequences were something to go wrong could be quite severe so most people will be happy to observe I'm sure.
The walk in is about an hour through lovely rain forest. The track is a little uneven in places
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S B
Surrey, Canada10 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
Shane Braddick experienced a opportunity to see one of Mother Natures marvels. It’s worth the hike into the park and see something truly unique and amazing. Check your times too get the full experience of the narrows. What appears at times like a flat calm ocean turns into a raging river. Check it out!!
Written March 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trek32626773922
Vancouver, Canada8 contributions
Aug 2019
This was an easy walk through the forest. It takes about an hour from the parking lot to reach the rapids. This is a popular trail and there are many people on it. The bathroom are outhouses and leave much to be desired, so if you need the restroom, you're best to use the washrooms at the Native Interpretive House at the start of the trail.
There is a nice cafe to get a snack and a drink before or after your hike.
There is a nice cafe to get a snack and a drink before or after your hike.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laurie213
Milna, Croatia56 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We decided to hike up to Roland Point to see the kayakers attempt to ride the big waves and we were not disappointed. We were there for about an hour or so and really enjoyed the spectacle. The walk is also great, surrounded by trees and not too busy, with a great bakery too!
Written September 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roadscribe
Roberts Creek, Canada8 contributions
Aug 2011 • Family
You have to consult the tide-table, easily found on the Internet, and visit Skookumchuck when the ebb is at its height. You can walk out on the rock which forms the narrows until you're standing right next to a tiderace going by at about 30 kmh. The centre of the flow bows up into the air to a height of about two metres, and on a sunny day you can see through that rushing bottle-green hump of water to the trees (and sometimes people) on the opposite shore. The scent of the air is like salty ozone.
Getting to the Narrows park involves a walk of maybe 45 minutes along a fascinating forest trail. In itself, that's worth doing. But what awaits you at the end of the hike is unlike anything else in British Columbia - or most of the world.
I have visited this amazing place numerous times, since I live only about fifty miles down the coast, so the "when did you visit" question doesn't provide an accurate answer, but I had to choose one for the autocratic form to allow me to submit this review. Similarly, while good eateries and restrooms are available near the beginning of the trail, beyond that you are effectively in wilderness, although there is a pair of outhouses near the Chuck itself. Again, the multiple-choice options are not accurate The trail is not suitable for baby buggies or strollers. But mobile kids love it, and there is safe swimming away from the Narrows (with close adult supervision). Acres of smooth sunbathing rock, bits of shingle beach, some shade from trees but not a lot.
Getting to the Narrows park involves a walk of maybe 45 minutes along a fascinating forest trail. In itself, that's worth doing. But what awaits you at the end of the hike is unlike anything else in British Columbia - or most of the world.
I have visited this amazing place numerous times, since I live only about fifty miles down the coast, so the "when did you visit" question doesn't provide an accurate answer, but I had to choose one for the autocratic form to allow me to submit this review. Similarly, while good eateries and restrooms are available near the beginning of the trail, beyond that you are effectively in wilderness, although there is a pair of outhouses near the Chuck itself. Again, the multiple-choice options are not accurate The trail is not suitable for baby buggies or strollers. But mobile kids love it, and there is safe swimming away from the Narrows (with close adult supervision). Acres of smooth sunbathing rock, bits of shingle beach, some shade from trees but not a lot.
Written May 19, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob W
Bellingham, WA34 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
Wonderful hike today into Skookumchuck Rapids. Saw kayaker and a surfer both. Score. Wonderful hike in through 2nd or 3rd growth timber. Some reviews say trail is easy mostly flat. Wrong. There is actually a fair amount of up and down and you have to be careful not to trip over rocks and tree roots on 2nd half of trail. Wouldn't suggest for people out of shape, knee issues or balance problems. It should be rated moderate not easy. Fine trail for people of all ages if in moderate shape and strong knees and good balance. Enjoy.
Written August 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’m answering my own question since I just visited. We couldn’t find the answer beforehand anywhere online so I thought it might be helpful to have it in the Q & A.
The first part of the trail is on a private gravel road and you CAN bike this section. However, once you reach the actual provincial trailhead (less than 1k in) the signs clearly state NO bikes. Hiking only. There are no bike racks but there is a signpost you could lock your bike to.
Probably best to just leave the wheels at home.
Written July 2, 2019
Which is the better view at Skookumchuck Narrows : +XL or -XL tide? Does the whirlpool activity happen during -XL only, or also at +XL? Thanks!
Written July 20, 2017
I was there about 2 hours before max high tide and the standing wave had already formed at the right hand view point and people were surfing it in kayaks, so it's definitely good to watch any time from -2 to +2 hours of high tide, tide going in (left to right) from the right viewpoint.
I have no idea about the whirlpools I did not see them but suspect they only form later at high tide as the water was beginning to swirl when we left. The whirlpools appear best viewed from the lefthand viewpoint at high tide.
No idea about low tide conditions (water flowing out, from right to left). I would Google it to see hiker's first hand accounts and pictures.
Written July 20, 2017
No benches but lots of big rocks,logs and soft moss to sit on. We had a small backpack with us and took a piece of foam to sit on.
We brought our lunch and ate it at the rapids which gave us a good rest before heading back. We are in our 70's . We were tired when we got home but it was a lovely walk and lots of magnificient forest to see. We were fortunate in that there were kyakers there having a great time playing in the rapids and watched in awe at their skill level.
Written July 12, 2017
Is there camping there? I would be in a small tent- is that safe with wildlife in the area? I know not to have food in the tent!
Written September 1, 2016
There is no camping there but Egmont is close by as is Klein Lake where my husband and daughter usually camp.
Written September 1, 2016
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